This version was just out . . . Carol Speed vows not to change attitude Scuderia Toro Rosso's Scott Speed has said he is not going to soften his attitude towards rivals, despite being fined for swearing at David Coulthard at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix. Speed was hauled in front of the race stewards after overtaking Coulthard under yellow flags while they fought for position at Albert Park. During the meeting, however, Speed was reported to have told Coulthard to '**** off' - landing himself a $5,000 fine. Although he lost his eighth placed finish in Melbourne for the yellow flag infringement, the swearing episode grabbed far more attention down the pitlane. But, speaking at a press conference in America this week, Speed has made it clear that the episode will not make him change his ways - and he is adamant that he needs to stick up for himself if he is going to make a success of his time in F1. "I'm the American out there," Speed said. "My mom taught me not to get into fights, but I've got to stand up. I won't take **** from no one. "People try to take advantage of you. But it's very important that you don't let them. You've got to speak up."
yeah f 'em 5000 that sucks how much does he make in f1? Jeff Gordon was fined $10,000 a few weeks ago for shoving Matt Kenseth
I can see in my mind how the old timer would talk down to the youngster, in terms of time in F-1. I can also see a young gun talking back and not taking any thing from anyone. It'll pass. Bob Wassam
Scott Speed also did not apologize to Button about holding him up. I like how he turns it into a me versus the world, Americans versus everyone else type of thing. Sounds like Kobe Bryant.
I keep hearing the "passed DC under yellow" comment, but I didn't see it in the race, and I don't see it in the stats (visionf1). Anyone know what lap that happened on? Was that after JPM's engine died? That seems to be the only time Speed and DC were anywhere near each other during a yellow flag period. (And, at that, it would have had to be a "re-pass", as Speed was leading DC for pretty much the entire race, other than just before DC's second stop.) The only thing I could see in the replay that would be questionable was after Alonso passed Speed in the pits (Speed on lap 33, Alonso on 34), Speed unlapped himself and zipped around the track on lap 35 to line up behind the SC at the back of the pack. That's valid in some US racing, but I'm not so sure about F1 rules on the matter.
Hmm, let's see: - DC is considered the nicest guy of all the drivers in F1. - The US are still not that popular in Europe (not Scott's fault, but fact). - Scott's a young gun who hasn't proved himself. - Scott (allegedly) passed under yellow then had an outburst about being caught. - Scott and DC essentially work for the same boss. Bottom line: Not good. Better live up to your name or your F1 days are numbered. The saving grace is that the US market is a lot more important to Red Bull than the Scottish. Plus Scott might just make the comeback of the USGP possible. PS: A new JPM in the making?
You know, if I was (falsely) accused of breaking the rules by the guy who couldn't get around me on the track, I'd be in his face too. I hope Speed is another JPM, that guy at least has some character. Lord knows another Kimi would be just the ticket to making the sport popular here
Funny you say that. I feel that way too, but just look around how many people on FChat as IRL in the US hate JPM for being temperamental and outspoken. Maybe I'm wrong on this, but I think amongst the US fans (you know those 5 there are...) Kimi wins in a popularity contest over JPM.
Maybe Scott's just a little distracted by his side venture, squadrapiloti I'm all for having and showing emotions, but when you see Scott Speed interviewed, he doesn't come off well as the tough-talking type. It's OK to stand up for yourself, but what's with the "I'm the American..." and "My mom taught me..." talk?! He's lucky it isn't Nascar, where justice comes swiftly!
Agreed, he doesn't come off as a tough talking type because he hasn't had a flying start like Nico Rosberg, so no one takes him seriously.. He comes off as a whiner and crybaby. Every interview I have read with him has him going on about how he thinks he is the best and how he won't take crap from anybody. He comes off like an Anakin skywalker in star wars.
Another "Ugly American"....if we are going to improve our image worldwide, someone is going to have to sit Scott down and lay down the law to him. In his current position, he is, in effect, an ambassador for the U.S. (whether he likes it or not) and he needs to be reminded how to act.
Let him do what he wants. If he sucks he'll be gone in a few years. If he's good he can act like an hothead - at least it's entertaining.
Nigel also had quick, ballsy drives to his name. Speed does not, thus far. I was watching a show on Champcar today, and I really liked the personality that A.J Allemindinger (sp) showed. He is a very quick driver nad and is very emotional as well, why isn't HE in F1? He is also sponsored by Redbull.
There was a story and interview with him in the recent edition of Racer and they asked him the same question: Different career path, he claims not to have wanted to go the F1 route. He also goes a long way back of battling Speed and they're not buddies.
I can say from what I have seen, I like A.J a lot better. He has a very good personality and is very quick. He does, however, demonstrate the same passion and sometimes wreckless tendencies of his mentor, Paul Tracy.
I also remember a race last year when Massa gave the finger to David Coulthard after an incident and David was going to go after him, but Massa was in the car with his parents.
Andreas - your thoughts are exactly the same as mine. Except that I wonder if down the road the USGP will be replaced by one in Mexico - I really can't see three F1 races in North America. Just a thought . . Carol
I remember the good ol' days where there was a Canadian, one or two US GPs, a Mexican, a Brazilian and an Argentina GP. Given the fact that tobacco isn't really banned in any of these, I don't see why we couldn't have a Mexican and a USGP. Unfortunately I can also see a lot of reasons why that might not happen. Time will tell.
